This assessment measures general reading comprehension, gathers formative data to inform instructional planning, and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of King Lear by Shakespeare (Act 5). An answer key is included. The material is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following relevant details: Edmund’s deception as it relates to the nature of his relationship with Goneril The delivery of a letter to Albany Edmund’s motives Edgar’s viewpoints on life Cordelia’s attempts to console her father King Lear’s perspective on being held prisoner Goneril’s evil deeds A deadly duel Albany’s motives Edmund’s reaction to his brother’s account Goneril’s suicide One of Edmund’s final acts The death of Cordelia The death of King Lear Kent’s loyalty to the king Edgar’s promotion

Engage middle and high school students with a classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm: “The Clever Brothers.” With this close reading worksheet, students will go beyond basic reading comprehension and practice their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the short story. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Evaluate the characters’ levels of enthusiasm for the tasks at hand Apply knowledge of various literary devices including allusion, onomatopoeia, simile, situational irony, symbolism, and more Consider themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Engage middle and high school students with a classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm: “The Dog and the Sparrow.” With this close reading worksheet, students will go beyond basic reading comprehension and practice their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the short story. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, hyperbole, situational irony, and more Consider themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

This assessment measures general reading comprehension, gathers formative data to inform instructional planning, and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of King Lear by Shakespeare (Act 4). An answer key is included. The material is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following relevant details: Edgar’s changing perspective on life Gloucester’s criticism of the gods Gloucester’s concern for a beggar Goneril’s assumptions about her husband Goneril’s adulterous desires King Lear’s concerns about Cordelia Cordelia’s desires for her father Edmund’s intensifying desire to commit murder Edgar’s efforts to save his father from his suicidal desires A second fake trial King Lear’s struggle to understand his daughters King Lear’s thoughts about powerful people A duel The intent of a letter Cordelia’s request of Kent A moment of mental clarity

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. The assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences and subsequent class discussions. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following relevant details: Setting A king’s life-changing decision Edmund’s status as an illegitimate child and its effect on him Daughters’ expressions of love for their father Contrasting Cordelia from her two sisters Cordelia’s punishment Kent’s assessment of King Lear’s behavior An agreement with the King of France Comparing Cordelia’s two sisters to their father (identifying similar motivations) Edmund’s underhanded deeds Goneril’s feelings toward her recently moved-in father Kent’s act of self-preservation Character description of the Fool The intent of King Lear’s letter The king’s acknowledgement of a fear Kent’s loyalty

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. The assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences and subsequent class discussions. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Edmund’s newest methods of compromising Edgar’s reputation A physical confrontation and its instigator’s punishment Gloucester’s reluctance to offer help Edgar’s decision to assume a new identity King Lear’s reaction to Kent’s punishment King Lear’s efforts to seek clarification on what led to Kent’s situation An argument among father and daughters King Lear’s isolation

Help middle and high schoolers go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 15 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Help high schoolers go beyond basic comprehension and sharpen their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet on H.P. Lovecraft’s narrative “Cool Air,” a horror story featuring numerous compelling elements for high school students: medical experiments, the pursuit of immortality, and more. An answer key and copy of the short story are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, situational irony, and dramatic irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Looking for high school horror story activities for the Halloween season? Looking for a text to pair with “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe or a similar narrative? Use this close reading worksheet on H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Hound” to help students go beyond general reading comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading analysis activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Compare the opening paragraph of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Black Cat” with the opening paragraphs of “The Hound” Describe tone in context Determine the functions of various passages Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including alliteration, euphemism, foreshadowing, imagery, personification, situational irony, and more Conduct research as needed to answer questions about plot Find similarities among the following groups: Symbolists, pre-Raphaelites, and Decadents Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Help high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this resource for teaching “The Tree” by H.P. Lovecraft. Additional materials are included to facilitate planning for unexpected teacher absences. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Included are the following: Public domain short story. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1200 to 1300, the narrative is a suitable selection for high school English Language Arts classes. Close reading analysis worksheet. By engaging with this exercise, students will articulate what is stated explicitly and implicitly; analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave; compare and contrast characters; analyze a given excerpt and explain how situational irony develops; discern the meaning of complex words and phrases; make logical inferences about the author’s intentions; cite textual evidence in support of claims; and write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision. Questions are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Close reading analysis worksheet answer key. Low-prep lesson plan for unexpected absences. This comes pre-filled with learning targets and agenda items. Space is also designated for classroom teachers to identify the name(s) of their class(es), the hour(s) of their class(es), student leaders, and upcoming homework assignments and assessments. Bell ringer activity. Help a substitute teacher engage students (and find time to take attendance) with a thematically linked writing prompt. Miscellaneous performance tasks handout. Extend student thinking and learning in the event of unexpected absences with this item outlining creative tasks pertaining to the short story. For example, students may write poetry or journal entries from the perspective of a character; write a brief retelling of the narrative from a different character’s perspective; explore the thematic significance of stories; review the overall quality of the narrative with objectivity and supporting evidence; and more.

Gothic fiction and horror are genres that maximize many high school students’ engagement with literature. “In the Vault” by H.P. Lovecraft is one such short story. It features elements such as entrapment, mutilated corpses, and the avenging of wrongdoing—making the narrative a particularly chilling read during the Halloween season. This rigorous worksheet on “In the Vault” helps English teachers support the development of close reading analysis skills and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, secondary students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, situational irony, allusion, and theme Analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about characterization/character motivations Define complex words as they are used in the text Identify relevant textual details in support of a claim Analyze the author’s craft to determine the his intent Discern the tone of a passage Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering “The Tomb” by H.P. Lovecraft, a short story with elements of Gothic fantasy that evokes the works of Edgar Allan Poe. A detailed answer key and copy of the public domain narrative, which is especially fitting for the Halloween season, are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Make logical inferences about the author’s inspiration Examine how the protagonist is introduced Explore the functions of given paragraphs Examine cause-and-effect relationships Discern the intended effect of the author’s diction Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Examine the connotative significance of words or phrases Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification and onomatopoeia Draw parallels between the narrator and the mythical figure Theseus Articulate how a particular paragraph contributes to character development Explore the symbolic importance of incidents and objects including the extinguishing of light and a lightning bolt Examine the nature of the relationship between the narrator and his family Explain an example of situational irony in the context of a given paragraph Consider the role of an unreliable narrator in the context of the plot Justify responses with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help middle and high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the short story “The Outsider” by H.P. Lovecraft. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a Halloween-themed short story unit for grades 9 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Determine the function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, foreshadowing, hyperbole, situational irony, symbolism, and more Consider themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

For many high school students, supernatural fiction is a genre that maximizes engagement with literature. “The Moon Bog” by H.P. Lovecraft features strange beings, mind manipulations, and even implied social criticism of humanity’s greed and treatment of the environment. This rigorous worksheet on “The Moon Bog” helps English teachers support the development of close reading analysis skills and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character mindsets and motivations Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, situational irony, and dramatic irony Define complex words as they are used in the text by taking into consideration denotative and connotative meanings Support responses with relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school students, the horror genre promotes more active engagement with literature. “The Terrible Old Man” by H.P. Lovecraft is a concise horror story featuring plot elements such as robbery, a character who dabbles in the occult, and mutilated corpses—making the narrative a particularly compelling read during the Halloween season. This rigorous worksheet on “The Terrible Old Man” helps English teachers support the development of close reading analysis skills and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Determine the story’s point of view Discern the overall tone of the narrative Analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about characterization/character motivations Define complex vocabulary as it is used in the text Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony Draw parallels between the author’s life and the plot of “The Terrible Old Man” Identify relevant textual details in support of claims and ideas Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high schoolers go beyond basic comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering an obscure short story by H.P. Lovecraft titled “Old Bugs.” This piece is a surprising departure from the grotesque and fantastical characteristics typically associated with Lovecraftian fiction. It also aligns nicely to American History courses since the narrative addresses the topic of Prohibition. An answer key and copy of the narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Consider tone in context Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion and dynamic character Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 1 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Olivia’s rejection of Orsino’s romantic advances The impact of music on Orsino Olivia’s 7-year mourning period and Orsino’s reaction to it Viola’s shipwreck The unknown fate of Sebastian Characterization of Sir Toby Belch Characterization of Sir Andrew Aguecheek Cesario’s assigned task Tension between Maria and Feste Feste’s implication (criticism of Olivia’s attitude) Malvolio’s arrogance Olivia’s apparent romantic interest in Cesario Olivia’s plan to reacquaint with Cesario

Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 2 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Cesario’s encountering of Feste Cesario’s reaction to Olivia’s declarations of love Olivia’s misinterpretation of Cesario’s motives Olivia’s breaking of societal expectations in the times of Elizabethan England. Toby and Fabian’s underhanded deeds Andrew’s challenge Sebastian and Antonio’s arrival in Illyria Antonio’s personal history Toby’s intentions Olivia’s newest gift to Cesario Antonio’s interruption of the duel A case of mistaken identity and its consequences

Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 3 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Cesario’s encountering of Feste Cesario’s reaction to Olivia’s declarations of love Olivia’s misinterpretation of Cesario’s motives Olivia’s breaking of societal expectations in the times of Elizabethan England. Toby and Fabian’s underhanded deeds Andrew’s challenge Sebastian and Antonio’s arrival in Illyria Antonio’s personal history Toby’s intentions Olivia’s newest gift to Cesario Antonio’s interruption of the duel A case of mistaken identity and its consequences

Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 5 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Feste’s delivery of a letter The use of figurative language and its purpose: “Why should I not, had I the heart to do it, / Like to the Egyptian thief, at point of death, / Kill what I love?” The context of Viola’s claim that she would die “a thousand deaths” Olivia’s rationalization of Cesario’s apparently inconsistent behavior Andrew and Toby’s injuries The context of Toby’s remarks: “An asshead and a coxcomb and a knave, a thin-faced knave, a gull!” Andrew’s frustration with Viola Olivia’s feelings toward Malvolio A lie told by Fabian Maria’s marriage The tone of the closing song